Celtic’s attacking and defensive areas have captured most of the limelight this summer.
However, some believe that Brendan Rodgers also needs to add quality to his midfield, despite having a strong contingent in that area.
The two obvious picks in midfield are captain Callum McGregor and the Japan star Reo Hatate, but after that, there is a space open for somebody to take and make their own.
New signing Benjamin Nygren has been deployed in that role during pre-season, whilst club-record transfer Arne Engels divides opinion, with Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan seen as back-up options.
But perhaps there is now a free agent who could help take Celtic’s midfield to the next level?
Celtic backed to sign Josh Brownhill after Burnley exit
In November, 67 Hail Hail brought the news that Brownhill is being looked at by Celtic, with his contract expiring at Burnley.
The 29-year-old has now left Turf Moor following the expiry of his contract and helping them earn promotion to the English Premier League last season.
On Go Radio, Andy Walker and Mark Guidi discussed Brownhill joining Celtic, including how the ‘ready-made’ midfielder perfectly fits what Rodgers is looking for.
Paul Cooney: “Some of the names being mentioned for Celtic. Brownhill. 29. A midfielder. It was announced on Monday that he was leaving Burnley. West Ham are in for him as well.”
Walker responded: “He is a good player. I have seen a lot of him. He will do well. A bit like (Joe) Rothwell and (Max) Aarons, who have had this experience at Bournemouth.
“Playing in the Premier League. The level of competition you get there on a weekly basis. Even with the so-called smaller sides. I think he would do a right good job if they got him.”
Mark Guidi: “Like Andy, you think of Burnley and how well they performed last season under Scott Parker. I am actually surprised he hasn’t been given a new contract. I don’t know the full background to it, but he made a major contribution.
“He has been linked with Celtic for about six months now, so I think maybe it has been on the cards that he was going to be out of contract.
“If you can get a player like Josh Brownhill on a free transfer, albeit he will command a big salary. At 29, he fits the identity that Brendan Rodgers is looking for. He is looking for some ready-made quality players, and Brownhill absolutely ticks that box.
“So, if Celtic can get that over the line, then I think it will be a terrific piece of business.”
Brownhill’s promotion-winning season at Burnley in numbers
The previous campaign was the best scoring season of Brownhill’s career, and he topped it off by helping Burnley return to the elite.
Usually, the Manchester-born player would deploy a deeper role and dictate play from the middle of the park.
But he turned into a goalscoring midfielder last term, including netting a brace against promotion rivals Sheffield United that helped clinch his team’s return.
- League games: 42
- Goals: 18
- Assists: 6
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